Fabien Jouves’ family has a long history farming grapes in Cahors. The domaine is a 6th-generation property and is located in Causses, (literally meaning limestone plateaus) on the highest slopes of the Cahors appellation. His family’s 22 hectares sit atop the hills of Quercy at over 1,100 feet. The high elevation guarantees low nighttime temperatures, which partly explains the freshness and vivacity of the wines. In addition to his family’s holdings, he purchased two other pieces of land and his property totals over 30 hectares.

Fabien’s first vintage as the vigneron was in 2006. He initially intended to become a doctor, when in the early 2000s his parents were struggling with the family domaine and were going to sell it. He chose to help his parents and enrolled into the prestigious École du Vin de Bordeaux. Over the weekends, Fabien would drive to Cahors to take care of the vines. Upon graduation, he became the head of the domaine and immediately embarked to convert the viticulture to biodynamic. He says that when you work naturally in the vineyard and in the cellar, wine is really the incarnation of the emotion of a winegrower, which is magical. Conversion began in 2004, and Ecocert certified the domaine biodynamic in 2012. He is currently a member of the Renaissance des Appellations.

Fabien’s employs a non-interventionist vinification philosophy. The whole vinification process occurs naturally, without any additives. The wine is then aged until maturity, either in concrete tanks, barrels or large wooden vats (foudres), depending on the wine’s personality. His Vin de France (Vin de Soif) selection is his creative outlet, and showcase the grapes excluded from the modern AOC such as Jurançon Noir and Gamay. Each of Fabien’s AOC cuvées is a vineyard designate which is why he uses a Burgundy bottle instead of the traditional Bordeaux.